Archives: Tulum Guide

WHATS THE MESOAMERICAN BARRIER REEF ?

Yellow Snapper, Tulum Reef, Mesoamerican reef, Diving

The Mesoamerican Reef is a natural area that extends approximately more than 1000 km by the coasts of the Caribbean Sea in four countries: Mexico, Belice, Guatemala and Honduras. It is the second largest in the world (the great barrier reef is the only bigger one).

Its biological wealth is explained by being a bridge between North America and South America and also because two oceans bathe its coasts, the Pacific and the Atlantic.

It has distinctive features that make the Mesoamerican Reef a very interesting touristic point:

  • It is the habitat of a great variety of flora and fauna.
  • It is an important refuge for numerous species protected or in danger of extinction.
  • It is the second largest coral barrier in the world.

What are corals? The World-Wide Fund for Nature in Mexico (http://www.wwf.org.mx) defines them as ‘fixed animals to the seafloor that integrate extensive colonies of thousands and tiny individuals called polyps, which are interconnected with each other’.

This system is visited by a huge number of tourists who are attracted by the natural beauty that the ecosystem offers. In addition, this site gives the opportunity to dive and meet sea turtles, 350 species of mollusks, more than 60 different type of corals, more than 500 species of fish and the largest concentration of whale sharks on the planet.

Because of this wealth also activities like the artisanal fishing, specially of lobster, snapper, grouper and snail are realized. These resources make the Mesoamerican Reef a livelihood to millions of people who depend on it.

The sports and recreative activities developed in the Mesoamerican Reef are very popular, that’s why we work to protect biodiversity. The health of marine environment is intimately related to the activities carried out inland and on the coasts. Lot of associations work so as to protect the corals and make the impact of tourism minimal.

The coral barrier reef is one of the great attractions offered by Tulum and can be seen diving in the Carribean Sea with Agua Clara Diving Tulum. Agua Clara focuses on performing all their aquatic activities taking care of the environment and the ecosystems in which it intervenes. This is the reason why diving tours are conducted in small groups not overloading the places to visit and seeking to make people aware of how not to intervene, touch or change anything is part of the sea scenery.

Agua Clara aims to enjoy nature without it program of activities alters or impact the ecosystem.

Knowing the Mesoamerican Reef while enjoying the #SUSTAINABLETOURISM is an enriching experience

Agua Clara Diving Tulum feels very fortunate about been surrounded by so many amazing reefs:

We can take you diving to:

REEF DIVING SITES IN TULUM

diving tulum's coral reef - diving tulum tours by agua clara - expolore the reef of the mayan riviera

In this article of the Tulum Guide we will review some of Tulum’s most interesting reef diving sites. 

StingRay

In the trip to get there we pass right in front of the Tulum Ruins and apriciate the view of them like the mayan merchants used to do some hundread years ago. Its Called like that because some times we find them in the sandy bottom bellow the big coral formations we dive in the side off. This is a very shallow site, the sand is at 8 m/24 ft and the top of the coral formations at 2.5 m/7.5 ft. This makes the site ideal for taking beginner divers. It has a good amount of corals of many types and fish as well. We can only dive here when the sea is very calm, on best conditions visibility can go to 20m/63 ft and on divevable conditions can be down to 10 m/30 ft. The dives we opérate here last from 30 to 50 min (depending on the diver).

Coquitos

In the trip to get there we pass right in front of the Tulum Ruins and apriciate the view of them like the mayan merchants used to do some hundread years ago. Coquitos (small coconuts) is named like that because of the palm trees that live in the pristine paradisiacal bech located in front of the site. It is a part of the great meso american reef and as that of course it has good diversity of fish and coral. This reef range extends from north to south and is about 12 m deep at the bottom of the coral and 6 m at the top. Coral structures are quite big and you can find many different types of them like brain, cactus, giant star , gorgones and some really nice Elkhorn Corals. There are also quite a few types of fish. all the bentic ones you find around de Mesoamerican reef (like angel fish, parrot fish, damsel fish, gobys, blenys, butterflys, etc) and some times we get some nice surprises, like southern stingrays, tourtles or even reef sharks!. There are also a few swim troughs that are good fun to cross on this dive site. When the sea is very calm visibility goes up to 30 m (90 ft) and when rough it can go down to 10 m (30 ft). The dives we opérate here last from 30 to 50 min (depending on the diver).

Diving in Tulum's Coral Reef Tour - Diving Tulum Mexico with Agua Clara Project: lifeforms of the undeworld
Diving in Tulum’s Coral Reef Tour – Diving Tulum Mexico with Agua Clara Project: lifeforms of the undeworld

Piscina

In the trip to get there we pass right in front of the Tulum Ruins and apriciate the view of them like the mayan merchants used to do some hundread years ago. This site, like all the reef dive sites in Tulum is part of the great meso american reef and counts with good variety of fish and corals, the reef range where this site is extends from north to south and is about 12 m deep at the bottom of the coral and 6 m at the top. Coral structures are quite big and you can find many different types of them like brain, cactus, giant star and gorgones. there are also quite a few types of fish. all the bentic ones you find around the Mesoamerican reef (like angel fish, parrot fish, damsel fish, gobys, blenys, butterflys, etc) and some times we get some nice surprises, like souther stingrays, tourtles or even reef sharks. One thing I like a lot about this site is that there are some really nice sand channels in between the coral formations giving the impression of being in a coral city with sand avenues. When the sea is very calm visibility goes up to 30 m (90 ft) and when rough it can go down to 10 m (30 ft). The dives we opérate here last from 30 to 50 min (depending on the diver).

Tulum reef diving
reef dive canyons Tulum

Cuevitas

Cuevitas in English means Little Caves and the site is called like that because there are a lot of really fun swim troughs in it. The maximun deph for this dive is 10 m/33 ft (at the starting point) and we spend most of the dive time at 8 m/24 ft having fun with the swim troughs . There is also a decent amount of healthy corals (brain, giant star, gorgones, etc) and fish, most of them bentic (Angel, Parrot, butterfly, gobys, etc) and some times we get surprises, like turtles or stingrays. When the sea is very calm visibility goes up to 30 m (90 ft) and when rough it can go down to 10 m (30 ft). The dives we opérate here last from 30 to 50 min (depending on the diver).

reef bridge cozumel
DCIM101GOPRO

Tankah Deep

In the trip to get there we pass right in front of the Tulum Ruins and apriciate the view of them like the mayan merchants used to do some hundread years ago. The site is a deeper coral range than where we do most of our dives and for that reason it is very different. In some parts the sandy bottom under the coral range reaches 38 m/114 ft and the top of the range gets up to 22 m/75 ft in the shallower parts. Coral structures are huge and there are some nice cannons in between them. In this site we find a lot of diferent types of sponges, some very big, some deep water corals like wire coral and there is also more chance to see big predators, in winter time even bullsharks. Visibility in this site is allways vey good, about 30 m/90 ft and the dives we operate here go from 20 to 30 min depending on the planning and diver.

reef ocean diving tulum mexico
gruper

In Agua Clara, we feel extremly fortunate of having so many amazing reefs around us.

You can dive with us in:

Enjoy the virgin jungle and 5 amazing cenotes in an eco tour in Tulum backyard

Tankah is a beautiful ecological park surrounded by virgin jungle. It stands out for having a spectacular lagoon and 4 open-air cenotes with crystalline waters that fill the place with mysticism. It is located by an internal road in the KM 233 of the highway Cancun Tulum. And its only possible to get in with authorized tour operators like Agua Clara Diving Tulum.

The Tankah Park is a great destination to visit, as it offers activities adapted to all ages. Here, in addition of making entertaining walks, you can do canoeing, swim in the cenotes and the more adventurous can cross huge cenote naval making zipline.

From the beginning, you can appreciate the impressive vegetation which fills of color the walk, here the wild orchids are protagonists and worthy of admiration. The tour is conducted by a guide who gives an introductory talk where he tells the historical value of the place and informs every special detail, from the particularity of the trees to exclusive details about the birds that approach and make the scene more picturesque.

Those who choose this excursion should only be concerned with bringing comfortable clothes, walking shoes, swimsuit and a good mood to mix with nature.

The Tankah Park also has a sector with comfortable hammocks where you can rest for a few minutes, breathe the pure air quietly and continue with the activities.

Agua Clara Diving Tulum focuses on providing a personalized service to groups of few people, so although it is estimated that this excursion lasts about 5 to 6 hours approximately the length of the walk depends on who are part of the walk.

The Tankah experience ends with a great Mexican lunch where you can taste yucatecan chicken, poc chuck (traditional grilled pork), guacamole, beans, different types of regional vegetables and also homemade corn tortillas that accompany the buffet. Seasonal fresh fruits are also available. The gastronomic experience is closed with an exquisite coffee with cinnamon prepared in crock pot.

Tulum offers pristine jungle, crystal clear water cenotes, adventure, fun and history on an incredible excursion through Tankah Park. Come and fill yourself with the energy of the nature of the Riviera Maya!

For booking this Eco Tour: https://aguaclaradivingtulum.com/diveshop/tankah-5-cenotes-tour/

 

 

Agua Clara opened a new Diving, tours and beach ware store in Tulum

diving courses tulum

Last week, on May 16th, Agua Clara Diving Tulum  moved in to a new office created with the aim of being closer to those who are interested in embarking on an underwater adventure. It is located on the way to the Tulum beach zone: at Avenida Cobá 600 metres (from  the federal highway 307) direction to Boca Paila , almost in front of the Chedraui’s Supermarket.

 

From its beginnings, in November 2012, Agua Clara sought to focus on providing the best of Tulum’s nature through eco tours, guided diving tours and PADI diving courses. In addition they decided to commit to the care of the environment. That is the reason why they developed the different activities in small groups to which they can communicate recommendations to achieve a sustainable Tulum together.

Using biodegradable protectors, taking care not to damage the reefs or any visited ecosystems and reducing the production of garbage are some of the messages that are repeated with insistence. In addition of caring about Tulum, Agua Clara tryes to help the world  by giving their guests a pleasant and formative experience that can have an impact on them. Once you apriciate nature you can start caring about it.

 

It is important for Agua Clara to make more people #FeelTheWater, that is why it brings us closer to their  awareness proposal and opens the doors of a new office.

 

For more information, you can visit the new store or call +52 1 984 806 1942 from 8 am to 6.30 pm.

Cenote diving in Tulum, come and fly underwater

 

Cenotes are clear water wells and ecosystems that mix Mayan history with natural beauty. To immerse oneself in their caverns is another way to take advantage of the wonders they offer to those who seek to enter into this marvelous adventure.

Cenote diving is a recreational activity that allows you to explore the secrets of this hidden world while staying in the safer parts of the caves, the parts that are easy to dive in and close to the exit, for a dive to be considered a recreational cenote dive (our cavern dive for talking in the same language as the local diving community)

  • Be less than 60 meters from the surface
  • Have a visible surface outlet with easy access
  • Have an extension large enough to comfortably fit two people side by side.
  • Be shallower than 40 m (120 ft)

This activity is conducted by a cavern guide who, in addition to being a dive guide (Divemaster), must be certified as a full cave diver.  Cenote diving enjoys safer rules than open water diving, the maximum number of people allowed per group is 4 members. This group will be organized after the guide in a single row and follow a guide line so as to dive safely in caves that could reach a maximum depth of 40 meters.

It is extremely important to take care of the ecosystem to which it is accessed, for which it is necessary to handle the buoyancy very well in order not to damage the cave and thus avoid the dispersion of sediments.

Tulum is a great destination to encourage a baptism in cave diving or to intensify your skills, as each cenote has a different level of difficulty. For example, Casa Cenote has a large open area and small caves that makes it an optimal place to refresh diving skills if you have not been diving for some time. Dos Ojos and Gran Cenote, are optimal for divers who maintain a constant practice but who are going to dive cenotes for the first time. Carwash, Chikin Ha and Taj Mahal cenotes have an average level of complexity and Dream Gate and Calavera are more even more difficult. For all those you need to have some cenote diving experience in advance. Pit and Angelita are the ones with the highest degree of complexity, apart from been caverns they are deep and so it is necessary to be well trained (advanced open water at least) and have planned every detail of the immersion.

It’s time to discover a new  water world under the jungle!

 

One of the “must do” in Tulum: Dos Ojos Cenote

One of the best and unforgettable experiences to carry out in the vicinity of Tulum is to dive or snorkel in the marvelous Dos Ojos cenote.

¿What does cenote mean? A cenote is a well or water pond supplied by an underground river that is formed in numerous places of the Yucatán Peninsula by the soils erosion. A combination of various geological events and climate changes created an incredible and unique ecosystem in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula establishing naturally these caves and underground rivers millions of years ago. The Mayans call these sinkholes “Dzonot”, which in English means “sacred well”. The cenote is the only source of fresh water in the jungle and is also considered an entrance to the mythical and spiritual underworld.

This particular cenote is called “Dos Ojos” which in English means “Two Eyes” because there are two circular shaped cenotes, the big eye and the small one, located very close one to another. And also because you need both of your eyes to appreciate the beauty of the aquatic world inside this magical dive site.

The entrance to this popular cenote is situated one kilometer south of Xel Ha, 17 km north of Tulum and roughly 48 km south of Playa del Carmen. A 2 km dirt road leads from the highway to the cavern and caves areas.

This cenote offers you the chance to do snorkeling in fresh crystal clear water, where it is possible to see beautiful decorations of stalactites, stalagmites, columns and helectites. Also, Dos Ojos Cenote is spectacular for cavern diving, a must do for any trained divers who are looking for something different. Certified cave divers can plan many different dives and continue miles in either direction into this extensive cave system with about 80 km of explored length and connected to other cenotes. The cavern dives performed in this cenote are ideal for first time cavern divers.  For non-divers, the Two Eyes Cenote is a perfect location for snorkeling and swimming closely to this fantastic formation.

Come and fly under the jungle, what are you waiting for?

Diving and snorkeling in Casa Cenote, Tulum

What you should know about Casa Cenote, the last step for the water running from the jungle to the sea.

Casa Cenote, also known as Cenote Manatee (because of the manatees that swam in their waters), is one of the most popular cenotes at the Riviera Maya for snorkeling and scuba diving. What differentiates this cenote from other cenotes is that it connects one of the longest underwater cave systems in the world, Sac Aktun with the ocean, it is only a few steps from the beach! and the closest to a surface river you can find in the Yucatan Peninsula.

The entrance to Casa Cenote is located in Tankah (Quintana Roo, Mexico), approximately 10 km north of Tulum and 50 km south of Playa del Carmen.

The admission to Casa Cenote costs approximately 100 mexican pesos per person, and you will be free to explore it independently at your own pace.

Casa Cenote extends for about 250 yards into the jungle, leading to a dead end. The water level in the pools varies, but it is no more than 8 meters in the deepest part.

The dive follows alongside the jungle and it is surrounded by lush algae covered Mangrove roots reaching into the water. Huge rocks overgrown with mosses and green algae decorate the bottom. Surfacing quietly, at the end of the river, you might spot different bird species and, with luck, the Osprey, known as the Fishing Eagle. Along both sides of the cenote, there are small caves, some of them go far away!.

As soon as you are in the water, you will be enthralled by the clarity, light and colour of it. It has no equivalent in snorkeling spots in the sea. Go deeper into the jungle along the natural route formed by the cenote. You will go past the mangrove, with the root forest filtering the light. The mangrove roots are real underwater nurseries and the home of thousands of newly hatched fish. Due to the

connection with the ocean, you will see many fresh and saltwater species in the cenote, such as platys, guppies and mollies – all well known to aquarium owners. You will definitely never tire of exploring these unusual natural pools. The incredibly clear and pure water, as well as the play of light, are a delight for photographers.

If you are looking for an original snorkeling experience with a minimum difficulty, then the Casa Cenote is for you. You can explore a series of outstandingly beautiful natural caves hidden in the jungle. With its extraordinarily clear emerald green waters, the play of light and its root forest. It is important to know that the place is full of divers, so, if you want to snorkel, you have to be careful.

Diving Casa Cenote gives a unique feeling of swimming underneath the jungle, dazzling him with the beauty of the flora and fauna. Do not miss the chance to live the experience and keep the memory!

Snorkeling, from the ancient greeks to discovering Tulum magical underwater ecosystems

Legend says that the Greeks, at least 5000 years ago, were the first to snorkel. In fact, many years later Aristotle wrote about snorkeling and remarked that it was an activity well known to men, that old it s! Those first divers were farmers that went into the water out of necessity, they did it to look for food and wealth, and to do that they trained from childhood to obtain lung capacity and endurance. Staying longer underwater was naturally impossible, so they had to think of new ideas for obtaining natural wealth, as well as goods from sunken ships. These ideas are the ones that over the years change the history of snorkeling. As for the Greeks, it is said that the original impulse of the first diver was to get sponges that are at the bottom of the sea so as to trade them later in the market and, for this, he was immersed in the water using hollow reeds to retrieve sponges. Like so many times: thanks to the pioneer Greeks.

Of course, today the world has advanced and everything is much easier. We no longer need hollow reeds but other types of elements that give a greater facility to the activity. The basic elements are: diving mask, a breathing tube called snorkel and swim fins. With that you are ready to snorkel without being professional.

Also, thanks to the advances over time, the goal of snorkeling has changed, today diving is a recreational activity that allows you to appreciate the immense and fascinating aquatic world with all the species that inhabit it. It is no longer necessary to go into the water to eat or seek riches to trade, today the riches deep in the sea are to be appreciated and that is something amassing…  colours are just so much brighter when you see fish in their natural habitat.

Nowadays snorkeling is a popular activity, especially in the tropical areas, making it not only safer, but much more comfortable and accessible for everyone. It is an activity for all ages because of the little effort required to practice it, you do not have to be a great swimmer, you just have to put on the diving mask and the snorkel and get into the water ready for a great adventure.

Tulum is a privileged place for snorkeling, it has an indigenous flora and fauna with different colors and sizes, which turn this magical town into a destination with a unique marine wildlife. In addition, the Tulum shoal belongs to the the Mesoamerican Reef which is the second largest in the world. It extends from Cancun to Honduras!

Everyone wants to explore the wonderful underwater world and snorkeling has become a mind-boggling and massive practice. Do not miss the opportunity to experience this unique experience.

 

Getting started for the diving adventure!

Diving for the first time is facing the unknown. It is experiencing the sensation of discovering a new unexplored world. This is why we devised these tips so you can have the necessary information and encourage you to immerse yourself in the incredible underwater world:

  • To dive, you shouldn’t have a developed swimming style, just float and move. It is a simple and safe sport. The most important thing is to listen to the instructor, relax and let yourself be carried away by this experience in the wonderful  underwater world.
  • You don’t need previous knowledge. The designated instructor performs a small training class in wich you get instructed in to the basics to begin. They teach the names and parts of the equipment, how to breathe equalize, safety information, how the water skills class will work. After the introduction, the neoprene suit, tank and life jacket or BCD can be placed.
  • Once the equipment has been installed, the new diver performs exercises in the water that consist of: handling the regulator, removing the water from the mask and handling the buoyancy.
  • Buoyancy is the skill that will allow you to stay under the water so it is a term that you will hear followed.
  • The first dive takes  between 40 and 45 minutes.

Some people says that diving is the possibility of feeling like a fish or to fly under the water. Also similar to meditate, because since the moment you begin to submerge, your mind can only concentrate on the marvelous subacuatic world.

The fears that some poeple feel when performing a first scuba dive, are only in their mind. If diving basic rules are followed, it is a very enjoyable and safe sport.

You don’t  need any special skills, just be encouraged to enjoy.

Tulum has some spectacular ecosystems, cenotes with crystalline water and the second largest coral reef in the world. Its biodiversity is huge with more than 65 species of stone coral, 350 species of mollusks and more than 500 species of fish.

Are you going to miss it?

Part 2 Photos Diving and Snorkeling in Tulum in Tulum Coral Reef

Last week we shared some great photos taken while scuba diving in the coral reef near Tulum. All sorts of fish inhabit in the reef, you will witness so many amazing creatures! Just to name a few: Angel Fish, Butterfly Fish, and Trumpet Fish. This second post with photos taken in our tulum diving trips begins with a magnificient Yellow Snapper spotted in Cozumel. Continue reading Part 2 Photos Diving and Snorkeling in Tulum in Tulum Coral Reef

Photos: Tulum Snorkel Tour – Snorkeling in Akumal

Akumal is a well known location to practice snorkeling very close to Tulum town. Akumal has very special conditions to safely practice snorkeling in the coral reef. The reef is located right near the beach, which makes it a perfect location for those looking to connect with the biodiversity of this ecosystem. We have made a selection of pictures taken during a snorkel tour in Akumal, hope you like them! Continue reading Photos: Tulum Snorkel Tour – Snorkeling in Akumal

Sian Kaan Reserve

Learn more about Sian Kaan Reserve near Tulum

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